Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA) is the leading legal aid and education organization dedicated to New York artists and its arts and cultural organizations. VLA strives to protect the artistic community’s livelihoods, businesses, and creative works through access to dedicated legal representation and focused education programs.

CLASSES

VLA plays an important role in educating artists, professionals within arts and cultural institutions, attorneys, students, and the general public about legal and business issues that affect artistic and creative endeavors. We provide industry specific classes and workshops as well as core legal classes on copyright, contracts and non-profit formation. Dates and times can be found on our calendar.

My attendance at one of the classes on contracts for artists convinced me of the dedication of the lawyers involved with VLA. After the class, I was motivated to join as an artist member. After learning in that class about the terms an artist should have in their contracts, I sought help with a contract that I had with a gallery. I had a meeting with one of VLA's lawyers. She went over my contract detail by detail. In the hour we spent together, it became clear that this contract did not fairly represent my interests.

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VLA Testimonial: Alice Garik

“ I sought help from VLA when I came up with an idea to create artwork for decorating boutique hotels. The area I needed guidance with concerned fair use. An appointment was scheduled [by VLA] for me to consult with representatives from the law firm of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP. I was astonished by the thoroughness and attention to detail they provided. The consultation lasted 15 minutes and I was given the "all clear" to pursue my project with an assurance that I was transforming the posters enough not to be in violation of any fair use copyright laws. ”

VLA Testimonial: Anthony Feyer

“ Many artists, perhaps most famously Mark Rothko, leave no will or a weak will. Their estates can be left to manage lengthy trials, and I did not want that to happen to my art. VLA’s Artists Over Sixty program met my legal needs perfectly. VLA connected me with a professional, patient lawyer who represented me for free. The saying goes, “You get what you pay for,” but this could not be further from the truth in my dealings with VLA. I am now confident that my art will be protected after my death and I have VLA to thank for that. ”

VLA Testimonial: Ben Henderson

“ I am an artist and wanted to establish a business. I joined VLA, and they helped me enormously. The staff was supportive and sincerely interested in providing the great legal advice. VLA helped me to understand the legal aspects of my endeavors. I encourage all artists who need legal and business advice to see the help of VLA. It is a wonderful organization! ”

VLA Testimonial: Joan Lengel

“ I created The Love Bench, an artwork on Greenwich and 7th Avenues, in response to the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 and The Tiles for America project. VLA has provided me with many legal and business services that I never could have afforded as a struggling artist. VLA and its volunteers have helped me with Love Bench as well as other matters over the years. I am truly grateful for VLA’s assistance! ”